Rep. Ami Bera (D-California) has proposed a bill that would authorize the creation of an interagency research and development program to secure the country’s power grid systems from cyber attacks.
The Grid Cybersecurity Research and Development Act would require coordination between the departments of Energy and Homeland Security, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Science Foundation, to establish a strategic cybersecurity plan for utilities, Bera’s office said Thursday.
The Department of Homeland Security and FBIÂ reported that hackers have targeted nuclear, energy, aviation, water and manufacturing sites as far back as May.
“The safety and stability of our energy grid is a critical national security issue,†said Bera.
“Ensuring that we protect our public and private infrastructure and have the resources to defend ourselves is essential.â€
